Oak Ridge North EDC reallocates money for Fourth of July event

Jonathan Garris

Published
7:25 pm CDT, Monday, June 16, 2014

While residents in Oak Ridge North might be disappointed about not being able to see the fireworks from their side of Interstate 45, city officials are working hard to ensure their own Fourth of July events are well-oiled.

During an Economic Development Corporation Meeting, members voted in favor of transferring money typically used towards the Red, Hot & Blue Festival and use the funds for Oak Ridge North’s own upcoming events. Economic development coordinator Susan Cates said $3,000 is traditionally allocated to help fund the The Woodlands-based festival, however, the fireworks show can no longer be seen from Oak Ridge North due to construction.

The city’s holiday promotions fund has typically provided money for the Oak Ridge North Fourth of July Parade, and the $3,000 for the Red, Hot & Blue Festival is part of its marketing and promotions fund. EDC member and city council member Tom Coale proposed transferring the $3,000 into the holiday promotions to be used for Oak Ridge North’s own festivities instead.

The city is currently planning on hosting its inaugural Fourth of July Car & Truck Show following the parade at Marilyn Edgar Park, located at 26531 Hillside Drive. So far, the event has attracted over 20 entries, but due to the side of the field at the park, the number of entrants would likely be capped at roughly 50 vehicles, Cates said.

Registration is open until the day of the event, however space cannot be guaranteed, according to the city’s website.

“At some point we’ll have to say that we can’t take any more,” Cates said. “If we have that kind of turnout then next year we’ll make accommodations as we need to.”

Cates also asked members of the EDC to visit with business leaders about their plans for the Fourth of July and if they could split time between both The Woodlands and Oak Ridge North’s festivals. Cates spoke of the challenges with scheduling their own parade at the same time as The Woodlands.

“There are several of our businesses choosing to participate in The Woodlands’ parade and from a marketing standpoint I certainly understand that there is a benefit to being in their parade,” Cates said. “We really want this to be a great parade and our intention was not to compete with The Woodlands. We would love to have our businesses choose to participate in our parade.”